Exposed 2021

Edinburgh College Graduate Photography Exhibition to make a welcome return

Edinburgh College HND Photography students will showcase their unique talents in an exhibition culminating their two years of training in Professional photography. 

Exposed 2021 is taking place at Edinburgh’s Out of The Blue Drill Hall from Wednesday 2 to Thursday 10 June 2021, excluding Sunday (6 June).

Entry to the exhibition is free of charge and there is no need to book. COVID-19 health and safety will be in place to keep those in attendance safe.

The College’s Photography department has been running its annual exhibition show since the mid-1990s, and this year 70 students from the HND and BA courses will be showing over 150 images covering a variety of genres including photojournalism, documentary, fashion, advertising and the environment.

Unfortunately, last year all end of year shows had to be cancelled due to the pandemic, and so students who graduated then were not able to show their work.  Now they will have the opportunity to show it by exhibiting alongside this year’s HND students. 

The exhibition will be a celebration of Scottish Photography and the achievements of Edinburgh College students and it will be biggest student graduate photography show held in the country.

The youngest of this year’s exhibition cohort, George Norris, is 19 years of age, while the eldest, Lorna Fleming, is 67, with all ages represented in-between.  The HND is a practical course which encourages students to work on live client briefs to strict deadlines, so preparing them for the world of work.

Graham McGirk HND Photography course leader said: “Having this platform to physically show their work is a big deal, after students have worked under such incredibly difficult circumstances over the last 18 months. 

“This is the first step back to normality and we’re really looking forward to seeing the work hanging up at the Drill Hall and hope people will enjoy coming to see it.”

Jon Lee BA Photography course leader said: “The quality of work this year has been outstanding and we’re confident this show will be our best yet. 

“It will be a superb showcase for our students and we look forward to seeing them flourish in their future careers.”

HND student Lorna Fleming, 67, from near Kelso said, “Completing the HND in Photography has proved to me that it is indeed true that you are never too old to learn. 

“Photography has changed since I was a junior member of my local camera club aged 16 and at times I have struggled with technology but being part of a wide age range has been a brilliant experience.”

HND student George Norris, 19, from Musselburgh, said: “It’s been difficult with the challenges covid has brought, but I’m really proud of my achievements and I’m feeling positive about the future.  I hope to take my education further in photography by entering the BA degree course.”

The BA degree in Professional Photography is unique in Scotland as it is accredited by the British Institute of Professional Photography as well as endorsed by the Association of Photographers.

More information and updates on the Exposed 21 exhibition can be found on Facebook. 

The College’s annual Glow Festival, taking place from 7-18 June, will also feature work from across all of the creative courses run by Edinburgh College when it goes live on 7 June.